Wednesday, June 29, 2011

New Hendra Outbreak

Flying Foxes

The latest bat-borne Hendra virus outbreak has prompted renewed calls for a cull of flying fox colonies in the state. Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent, whose council takes in the affected area, said the State Government needed to urgently assess ways to protect horses by limiting or moving bat colonies. Cr Brent said the link between the bats and the fatal disease was known. "It's not sufficient to turn our backs on the root cause of the problem," he said. "Governments and their agencies were well aware of the cause of the Hendra virus and proactive action needs to be taken to address that issue where the bats are in some overwhelming numbers." Sunshine Coast horse owner Rebecca Day, who was exposed to Hendra virus last year, backed the call. "I don't believe they (flying foxes) should be protected. I do believe they are a pest and danger, not only to animals but to humans as well, and they should be seen as that," she said. "These are in plague proportions so I really think something needs to be done about it. "I'd definitely support some sort of cull or something to eradicate or move them." *Courier Mail Read more ... http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland

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Wildlife Protection Association of Australia Inc.

A Flying Fox in care!

The Much-Maligned Flying Foxes

Apart from kangaroos, the Flying Fox is one of the most persecuted animals in Australia. Blamed for destroying fruit farmers profits, spreading disease, and some residents living close to flying fox camps complain regularly of the smell. In fact flying foxes are none of these things.

Flying foxes are essential polinators of night-flowering rainforest trees, and without them, our forests would be a much poorer place. Loss of habitat has forced flying fox camps closer to residential areas, and houses are being built closer and closer to the camps in the mangroves. All flying fox species populations are believed to be crashing in numbers, mainly through loss of habitat and harassment.